Proud of my work -- 16 Years of Service

Thank you for keeping Mattie's memory alive!

Dear Mattie Blog Readers,

It means a great deal to me that you take the time to write and to share your thoughts, feelings, and reflections on Mattie's battle and death. Your messages are very meaningful and help support me through very challenging times. I am forever grateful. As my readers know, I promised to write the blog for a year after Mattie's death, which would mean that I could technically have stopped writing on September 9, 2010. However, like my journey with grief there is so much that still needs to be processed and fortunately I have a willing support network still committed to reading. Therefore, the blog continues on. If I should find the need to stop writing, I assure you I will give you advanced notice. In the mean time, thank you for reading, thank you for having the courage to share this journey with me, and most importantly thank you for keeping Mattie's memory alive.


As Mattie would say, Ooga Booga (meaning, I LOVE YOU)! Vicki



A Remembrance Video of Mattie

March 2, 2021

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 -- Mattie died 596 weeks ago today. 

Tonight's picture was taken in March of 2007. That year we took Mattie to Florida for spring break. We found this traveler's palm and Mattie loved its fan shape. Mattie loved everything about traveling from the plane trip to experiencing new adventures. In fact I would have to say for the 7 years I raised Mattie, it was never dull, and it was wonderful to be able to see the world from his lens. Something that I will always miss. 





Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins

  • Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 28,714,851
  • Number of people who died from the virus: 516,346


Sunny and I go for a long walk everyday. Typically to Roosevelt Island, as I no longer feel safe walking in the city. A sad commentary for Washington, DC. Given that we are all stuck at home, the last thing I want to walk through are the many encampments surrounding us. Instead, I need to see greenery, trees, and have a moment's of peace. Even medical doctors are talking about the importance of walking during the Pandemic. Going for a walk is a good way to get exercise and it may help with feelings of anxiety or depression that can so easily arise from being socially isolated for a year. 

I have made a friend of the Island. We see each other every morning when we walk our dogs. She has two dogs and both are interested in Sunny. Any case, we got talking one day about the places we like to walk and take our dogs. She told me about a park called Prince William Forest which I never heard of before. Don't you know it, the next morning when I saw her, she handed me a pamphlet about the park! A very kind and thoughtful gesture. I have found being a dog owner, that it is much easier to strike up a conversation and connection than walking alone. In fact, I can't think of a day when walking with Sunny that someone did not stop to admire him, comment on him, or ask to pet him. The beauty of Sunny. I would have to say that walking and Sunny are two protective factors that have helped me cope with everyday Pandemic living.

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